Arsenal host Manchester United in a crunch Premier League showdown at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attends a press conference
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attends a press conference(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta says no one has “more hunger” than him to win the Premier League title with Arsenal this season.
The Gunners - who have finished second in the last three seasons in the Premier League - take on Manchester United on Sunday looking to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Having extended their buffer to seven points after their draw at Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City and Aston Villa both being beaten last weekend, Arteta was asked how the sense that the title is theirs to lose makes him feel.
“I mean, I don’t think anybody has probably more motivation, more hunger, more desire for us to go all the way and win it,” he said.
“But we know that the only way to do it is by focusing and being very present in the moment and doing everything that we have to do today, do it better tomorrow.
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“That’s it. That’s the only thing that we can control, and the rest is just things that don’t add any value to us, and they can take the focus to the wrong place.”
There have been signs of frustration from some players, with Declan Rice videoed exasperated and cursing the dropped points after the stalemate at Forest.
Arteta narrowed in on how it is he is trying to keep the players focused on the task at hand, and to go again after every result.
“By talking every single day about what we have to do, what we are doing, what we can improve.
So we are there and we know how tough it’s going to be on Sunday, and if we start to prepare on Sunday, it’s too late, so we already start to prepare after Inter.
“To repeat what we did so well … all the areas that weren’t good enough and keep pushing individually and collectively. Each of us to be in the best possible way on Sunday to win again.”
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.